Transgene expression

The absence of Parkin expression confirmed by western blot.

Neurodegeneration

2 and 12-18 months: No significant degeneration of TH-positive neurons or fibres can be observed in the SN or the striatum of the KO mice. A significant decrease in the number of TH positive neurons can be observed in the locus coeruleus of the KO animals.

Dopamine Homeostasis

12-18 months: Striatal levels of DA and its major metabolites (DOPAC, HVA) are similar in KO and wild type animals.

There is significant reduction of norepinephrine in the olfactory bulb and spinal cord of the transgenic animals compared to wild type mice.

Inclusions

Motor Behaviours

3 and 24 months: Performances of KO mice in the open field and on the accelerated rotarod are comparable to those of wild type animals. The acoustic startle response is dramatically decreased in parkin KO mice.

Response to dopaminergic treatment

Not reported

Non-motor Behaviours

Not reported

Electrophysiology

Not reported

Neuroinflammation

The EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND) is the largest global research initiative aimed at tackling the challenge of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer’s. Learn More